Parent and Teacher Ratings of Empathizing and Systemizing in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 53
  In Roundtable Session: Moral Development and Education in Diverse Contexts

Abstract

This study explored intra-individual differences between parent and teacher reports of empathizing and systemizing in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Systemizing is a drive to understand rule-based systems. Empathizing is a drive to appropriately respond to others. Individuals with ASD are stronger systemizers than empathizers, however, previous research has compared typically developing individuals to individuals with ASD. Results showed that parents rated their children higher in empathizing than systemizing whereas teachers rated empathizing and systemizing similarly. Parent and teacher reports of empathizing were positively correlated but systemizing wasn't. Parents want their children to have socially appropriate interactions, whereas teachers want orderly classroom behavior. This has implications for the assessment of empathy and systemizing within an ASD population.

Authors

• Jason Barr, Rider University

• JoAnne Cascia, Kean University